Abstract: The present article explores the theoretical basis of modern regional studies and comparative integration. The article covers the formation of existing integration theories and their peculiar features; fixes the historical dominant of Western European experience in the process of integration theories creation. The author marks out the fundamental differences between the context of Western European integration and regional processes in most other regions of the world; gives a brief description of the liberal intergovernmental approach, its origins, history, and circumstances of its development, and the reasons for its wide applicability. As an example, the article appeals to the experience of regional initiatives of Latin America, their specificity and fundamental principles of functioning, their difference from Western European practice and compliance of Latin American experience with the hypotheses of the liberal intergovernmental approach, explicableness of modern phenomena of Latin American regionalism on its basis. The author draws a conclusion as for applicability of the Liberal Intergovernmental Approach in modern studies of regional organizations as a basic theoretical approach, makes assumptions about its perspective further adaptation, highlights relevance of this direction as well as the theoretical work necessary to understand and systematize the experience of practical research and regional specifics.

Abstract: This article analyzes the phenomenon of the low level of institutionalization of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the factors that led to its under-institutionalization and its importance for the organization and its functioning. The author traces the format of work of the Community, its structure, level of correspondence to the initially claimed tasks, key moments of the history of its operation, and the results. At the macrolevel, the article examines the circumstance of establishment of the Community, purpose of its creation and questions of its activity. The author also covers the problem of the clash of interests of the Latin American countries and the United States, functioning of the Organization of American States, as well as misbalances in relationship between the two Americas. The question of the fundamental idea of CELAC and factors of its preservation in the condition of under-institutionalization is examined. A conclusion is made about the place and role of CELAC within the structure of regional configuration of Latin American subsystem; about the indicated system as such; and principles of creation and operation of the Community.